Cuba, Ukraine warn on plain packaging

Cuba and Ukraine have warned the Australian government over its move to introduce plain packaging for tobacco products.

The Cuban government and a state-owned cigar company Habanos warned the government that forcing it to comply with the new laws could violate Australia's obligations under the World Trade Organisation (WTO), News Limited reported on Monday.

Ukrainian ambassador to the WTO, Valeriy Pyatnytskiy, also warned the legislation as it stands violates key international intellectual property agreements.

Local tobacco companies have already vowed to challenge the move in the High Court of Australia once it becomes law.

Trade Minister Craig Emerson said the government was firmly committed to implementing the measures.